Punjab vs Northeast: Punjab FC and Northeast United FC lock horns in an exciting clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Both teams are tied at 12 points on the Indian Super League standings, with Punjab slightly ahead due to a superior goal d ifference. The contest promises to be intense, as both sides aim to bolster their chances of securing a playoff spot.

Head-to-Head

• Matches Played: 2
• Punjab FC Wins: 1
• Northeast United FC Wins: 0
• Draws: 1

Last Meetings:

• 07 Mar 2024: Northeast United FC 0-1 Punjab FC
• 06 Oct 2023: Punjab FC 1-1 Northeast United FC

Indian Super League Standings

Lineups

Northeast United FC

• Goalkeeper: Gurmeet Singh
• Defenders: Soraisham Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zabaco, Buanthanglun Samte
• Midfielders: Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Alaeddine Ajaraie, Nestor Albiach Roger
• Forwards: Jithin Madathil Subran, Parthib Gogoi, Muthu Irukandi

Punjab FC

• Goalkeeper: Ravi Kumar
• Defenders: Ivan Novoselec, Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Nikhil Prabhu
• Midfield: Vinit Rai, Nihal Sudeesh, Norberto Ezequiel Vidal
• Forwards: Leon Agustine Asokan, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Filip Mrzljak

10 Key Stats

1. Recent Form: Punjab FC’s home form is stellar, with 3 successive home wins this season.
2. Goal Timing: Punjab FC scores 30% of their goals between minutes 76-90, while Northeast United FC scores 37% of their goals between minutes 0-15.
3. Scoring Consistency: Northeast United FC have scored in 18 consecutive matches.
4. Home Fortress: Punjab FC has a 100% win record at home this season (3-0-0).
5. Top Scorers: Luka Majcen leads Punjab FC with 3 goals, while Alaeddine Ajaraie has netted 11 times for Northeast United FC.
6. Halftime Battles: Punjab FC wins 32% of first halves, while Northeast United FC wins 36%.
7. Punjab’s Resilience: When leading 1-0 at home, Punjab has a 100% win rate.
8. Northeast’s Struggles: When trailing 1-0 away, Northeast United FC has a 0% win rate.
9. Punjab’s Defensive Strength: Punjab FC hasn’t conceded a goal in any of their three home matches this season.
10. Goal Averages: Punjab scores 1.64 goals per home game, while Northeast averages 1.8 goals in away matches.

SWOT Analysis: Punjab vs Northeast

SWOT Analysis: Punjab FC

Strengths

1. Impressive Home Form: Punjab FC has a 100% win record at home this season (3-0-0).
2. Late-Game Scoring Prowess: They score 30% of their goals between the 76th and 90th minute, the highest percentage in the league.
3. Defensive Solidity: Punjab has not conceded a goal in their home games this season.
4. Consistent Performance: Punjab FC’s overall performance in the last five matches (WWLWL) is better than Northeast United FC’s.
5. Resilience: When leading 1-0 at home, Punjab has a perfect 100% win rate.

Weaknesses

1. Inconsistent Away Results: While their home form is strong, they lack similar dominance in away games.
2. Limited Goal-Scoring Options: Luka Majcen, with 3 goals, leads the attack, but support from other players remains modest.
3. First-Half Slow Starts: They only win 32% of first halves, which can put them under early pressure.

Opportunities

1. Capitalizing on Home Advantage: Playing at their fortress offers an opportunity to secure vital points.
2. Exploit Northeast’s Away Vulnerabilities: Northeast United has a 0% win rate when trailing 1-0 away.
3. Momentum for Playoff Push: A win would boost Punjab’s position in the standings and build confidence for upcoming matches.

Threats

1. Northeast’s Scoring Consistency: Northeast United has scored in 18 consecutive matches, challenging Punjab’s defensive record.
2. Alaeddine Ajaraie’s Threat: Northeast’s prolific striker, with 11 goals, poses a significant challenge.
3. Early Goals from Northeast: Northeast scores 37% of their goals in the first 15 minutes, which could disrupt Punjab’s game plan.

SWOT Analysis: Northeast United FC

Strengths

1. Scoring Streak: They have scored in 18 consecutive matches, showcasing offensive consistency.
2. Early-Game Threat: Northeast scores 37% of their goals in the first 15 minutes, putting pressure on opponents early.
3. Prolific Striker: Alaeddine Ajaraie’s 11 goals make him one of the most dangerous forwards in the league.
4. Decent Away Goal Average: They score 1.8 goals per away game, higher than Punjab’s home average of 1.64.

Weaknesses

1. Defensive Frailty: Conceding 14 goals in 8 games, they are prone to defensive lapses.
2. Inability to Recover: Northeast has a 0% win rate when trailing 1-0 away, highlighting struggles in comebacks.
3. Mixed Recent Form: Their last five matches (DLWWD) show inconsistency.

Opportunities

1. Exploit Punjab’s First-Half Weaknesses: Northeast’s strong starts can capitalize on Punjab’s lower first-half win rate.
2. Away Performance Boost: A win would improve their relatively poor away record this season.
3. Playoff Race: A victory would keep them in contention for a playoff spot and ahead of Punjab in the standings.

Threats

1. Punjab’s Home Fortress: Punjab’s unbeaten home record poses a formidable challenge.
2. Late Goals from Punjab: Punjab’s strong finish to games could turn the tide even if Northeast leads.
3. High Stakes: A loss could dent morale and playoff hopes.

Prediction

With Punjab FC’s home dominance and recent form, they appear to have the edge in this encounter. Northeast United’s attacking prowess, led by Alaeddine Ajaraie, ensures that the visitors will be competitive. However, Punjab’s defensive solidity and scoring efficiency in the final minutes could prove decisive.

Predicted Score: Punjab FC 2-1 Northeast United FC

Where to Watch: Punjab vs Northeast

• Free Streaming: JioCinema (Available in English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam)
• Television Broadcast:
  • Sports 18 – 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam)
  • Asianet Plus (Malayalam)
  • Select ISL matches also on Sports 18 – 1, Sports 18 – 2, and Sports 18 – Khel

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